The idea of starting a high school under any circumstances is a daunting one, to say the least. With schools struggling all across Michigan, the economy still on the rebound, and the constant political maneuvering in education policy, the task of creating a new high school in the Lansing area seems that much more difficult.

Across Michigan and across the country, students, teachers, and school administrators are facing greater accountability. That has put more attention on student assessments, or measuring student learning, than in the past. In about a year, Michigan students are expected to start taking a new standardized test, the "Smarter Balanced Assessment."

After years of controversial cuts to higher education, Michigan has begun reinvesting in its colleges and universities. Last month, Governor Rick Snyder proposed a 6.1 percent spending hike for Michigan’s 15 state-funded colleges and universities. Higher education officials applauded the move, which would be contingent on universities limiting tuition increases.